Education Assistant

Education assistants spend two weeks on a seabird island and then work as naturalists on boat tours and at the visitor center.

Education assistants spend two weeks on a seabird nesting island to prepare for their summer work in the visitor center and narrating boat tours.

Description: The first two weeks of this position will be spent at a seabird nesting island where the intern will participate in the research as described in the Research Assistant position description. This time will serve as hands-on orientation to National Audubon Society's Seabird Restoration Program. Upon return to mainland base, there will be a training period for the boat tour naturalist and visitor center duties. National Audubon Society cooperates with two different private boat tour operators who offer seabird and puffin-viewing tours to the general public. As naturalist, the education assistant will identify seabirds and marine mammals seen on the tour boats and videos at the Project Puffin Visitor Center, and provide information on seabird natural history, seabird restoration, ecology of the Gulf of Maine, and human history of the area as it relates to seabirds on the islands. Post-training, the season will be spent leading seabird-watching tours and greeting the public at the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine.

When not narrating, duties may include preparation of teaching materials and assisting with logistical support for the research islands.

Season: 1st Assistant position season runs May 26th through August 22nd. 2nd Assistant position season runs May 26th through October 31st.

Qualifications: Individual must be seaworthy! Also, must possess a B.S. or B.A. in conservation education, interpretation, or biology; or an upper level undergraduate with related experience. Career goals should include a position in conservation education or interpretation. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle is highly desirable. A pair of binoculars is required equipment.

Compensation: Biweekly stipend of $525 ($7.50 per hour for 35 hours per week) plus room and board and worker's compensation insurance coverage. during the initial two-week island experience, a personal tent is required. A private room with shared kitchen and bath at the Project mainland base in Bremen, ME is provided for the remainder of the time. Mileage will be paid for business use of a personal vehicle if required.